Can You Park a Motorcycle on the Sidewalk? (Is This Legal?)
Parking a motorcycle on the sidewalk seems like a logical idea since it is small enough to fit, right? And when you are in a hurry, you should be able to just leave it there quickly before anyone sees it. Well, not so fast. You could be asking for trouble.
Parking your motorcycle on the sidewalk in many cities in the United States is illegal, and you may have to pay huge fines for violating the law. You are not allowed to obstruct the use of the sidewalk for pedestrians. Thus, you should park your motorcycle in a designated parking space.
Other than these general laws, there are many other details regarding sidewalks that you should keep to heart as a motorcyclist.
So, in this article, we’ll break through the laws regarding motorcycle parking, how it involves sidewalks, and discuss the proper way to park your motorcycle.
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Here’s a Quick Pro Tip!
You could get fined for parking at the wrong places on the road. Or, you could suffer from a damaged motorcycle if you park it on the sidewalk. Either case is not pleasing, so you should stick to the word of law and motorcycle parking etiquette.
You may want to use these for your next riding and parking journey:
1. Motorcycle Waterproof Cover – You don’t have to let your motorcycle catch rain while it waits for you outside. Use this motorcycle waterproof cover to avoid rusty situations with your motorcycle.
2. Motorcycle Anti Theft Grip Lock – Keep thieves at bay. This lock will prevent them from even starting the engine.
3. Scratch Remover Kit – Unfortunate events can happen, but you don’t have to worry any further. This scratch remover kit will ensure that your motorcycle looks brand new.
Using Sidewalks
You can’t park on the sidewalk – that is already clear. However, why can’t you? There are things you need to consider before choosing where to park. After all, nobody wants a ticket! So, let’s discuss this topic below.
Is It Illegal to Park a Motorcycle on the Sidewalk?
In many jurisdictions within the United States of America, it is illegal to park a motorcycle or other types of vehicles on the sidewalk, including scooters. The only exception is if you received permission from an officer or property owner.
For example, according to Florida law, you can’t stop, stand or park a motorcycle on the sidewalk unless stated by a police officer or if you need to “avoid conflict with other drivers.”
Likewise, if a private property owner allows it, you can do it temporarily.
Another example of a similar law is the law applicable to St. Paul, Minnesota, which also forbids parking your motorcycle on the sidewalks.
Doing so can lead you to a parking ticket with a heavy fine. However, keep in mind that penalties may differ by state.
Can You Park a motorcycle on the Pavement?
You cannot park your motorcycle on the pavement because state and local laws forbid motorcycles from parking on the sidewalk. This is to avoid blocking pedestrians from using it. Thus, it is recommended that you park in a designated parking space.
For example, biking on a sidewalk in California can cost you 65$ in fines. Although it may not seem like a big deal for many, paying a ticket for parking in an undesignated area is not a thing to take lightly.
Moreover, fees could increase if the violation continues.
Is It Legal to Park a Motorcycle on the Shoulder?
It is legal to park a motorcycle on the shoulder during a situation that merits it but not as a form of permanent parking or gathering spot. For example, you can only use shoulders or emergency lanes when a vehicle stops working or an accident occurs.
However, motorcycles must follow the same laws as cars and other highway-capable vehicles.
Therefore, they should avoid parking or riding on the shoulder whenever possible, or else they may face fines and tickets.
Is It Illegal to Park a Motorcycle Half on the Sidewalk?
Parking a motorcycle halfway on the sidewalk is illegal under many state laws that forbid motorcycles, scooters, or cars from parking on the pavement. Therefore, unless otherwise stated by a private property owner or officer, you should never try to park on the sidewalk.
Parking on the sidewalk can have legal consequences, including heavy fines and other penalties.
Therefore, you should not engage in any activity that obstructs pedestrians from using the sidewalk. Likewise, this could be a problem for people with accessibility issues.
Can I Legally Leave My Motorcycle Parked on the Sidewalk?
You can only leave your motorcycle legally parked on the sidewalk if an officer indicates that you must, or a private property owner gave you permission for it. Otherwise, it is not legal and may result in you paying huge fines.
If you’re parking in front of a store and you have the idea of parking on the sidewalk, make sure to ask the store owner first.
If the store owner does not permit you, then it is not legal for you to park there, as you’d be obstructing pedestrians from using the sidewalk.
What’s the Best Spot to Park a Motorcycle?
The best parking spot to park a motorcycle is a parking spot, whether metered or in an individual lot. Not only will it save you from a ticket, but it will also prevent other incidents that may compromise your motorcycle.
Additionally, you will want to park in a space where you know there are security cameras directly pointing at your motorcycle.
That way, intruders will be discouraged from rummaging through your items or daring to steal your motorcycle.
Laws and Safety
Before jumping onto the motorcycling adventure, you must know the word of the law to avoid headaches on the road. So, let’s talk about the basic motorcycle parking laws you need to know.
What Are the Motorcycle Parking Laws?
Some of the motorcycle parking laws include the prohibition of parking in front of a fire hydrant, handicapped curb, and yellow or red lines. Likewise, one should not park in an alley or front of a driveway, or in places that would obstruct the entrance to private property.
Many state and local laws also specify that you should not park within an intersection, crosswalks, or railroad tracks. Regulations for car parking also apply to motorcycle parking, so it does not differ much.
An example is a law for Tallahassee, Florida, where parking on loading zones, bus stops, handicap parking, and ADA-compliant curbs is prohibited.
You should also avoid parking in front of fire hydrants or sidewalks, as doing so can get you fined.
Can a Motorcycle Park on the Yellow Lines?
Motorcycle parking on yellow lines is forbidden because these areas are meant to provide accessibility for handicaps and other vehicles, such as ambulances. It is not meant for permanent parking but rather an unloading passenger’s site.
And usually, you are not allowed to stay more than five minutes on the yellow line. It is either to leave or pick up someone, but not meant to remain there as long as you wish.
Doing so can get you a huge, costly ticket.
How Can I Safely Park My Motorcycle?
You must find your preferred designated parking space to park your motorcycle safely. You’ll also want to accommodate your motorcycle so that it angles towards that space and, later, manually push the motorcycle toward that parking spot.
If you’re parking next to the curb, you should do so at a 45-degree angle and make sure that the front tire touches the curb.
Make sure to leave enough space between your motorcycle and other vehicles so that it is easy for all of you to get out afterward.
If you’re parking next to a motorcycle in a designated motorcycle parking space, ensure that you are not parked too close to other motorcycles.
Not doing so can result in you giving a hard time to the other motorcyclist, which breaks motorcycle etiquette.
Is It Safe to Park My Motorcycle on the Sidewalk?
Parking your motorcycle on the sidewalk is not deemed safe due to many risky situations it may suffer due to uncomfortable or distracted pedestrians. In addition, someone could damage your motorcycle if they’re annoyed or bump into it accidentally.
We recommend that you follow your local laws to the letter to avoid situations that can make you civilly liable. Safety on the road is important, including choosing the appropriate parking space.
Plus, parking in a designated parking spot is far safer for you and your motorcycle.
What Is the Proper motorcycle Parking Etiquette?
Proper motorcycle parking etiquette includes following city and state laws about motorcycle parking, including the prohibition of parking on sidewalks or yellow lines. Additionally, you should be considerate of other parked vehicles.
With that being said, there are other things you should keep in mind with proper parking etiquette:
- Do not park between two cars in a metered parking space. This is a way to avoid paying for metered parking, but it is neither legal nor appropriate to do so.
- In the case of using normal parking lots, you must ensure to park your motorcycle a bit to the front of the lot so that other cars can see it. You should not go beyond the space where cars normally stand out. This could result in damage to your motorcycle.
- If you see a motorcycle parked in the middle of the lot, you should not share parking with that person. It is a way to indicate that said individual is uncomfortable with sharing.
Thus, you should not attempt to do it. Otherwise, you may be in trouble with other bikers.
- However, if sharing a parking spot is accessible, you must ensure that you park your vehicle in a way that won’t interfere with the other motorcycles. The other person should be able to get out freely without bumping into your motorcycle or feeling too limited within the lot.
- If you see a fellow motorcyclist having trouble parking or getting their motorcycle out of its spot, you should help them. That way, everyone ensures safety and companionship amongst others.
- Don’t park too close to other motorcycles in a public motorcycle-only parking space. That way, you won’t interfere with their vehicle’s mobility, and they can get in or out easily.
- Return missing or lost items. For example, if you lost your ID or any valuable item, you would want others to return it to you. Likewise, you should do the same with others.
- And finally: never leave important items on your motorcycle without supervision. There’s a high chance that someone may like what they see and slip it into their bag. Or, you could lose it without noticing when trying to get out of the space you’re in.
Motorcycle Parking
After knowing the laws pertaining to parking your motorcycle, you need to know the proper way of doing it without affecting your motorcycle or other drivers.
So, let’s dig into motorcycle parking a bit more so you can easily understand.
How Many Motorcycles Can Legally Park in a Single Parking Space?
It is recommended that only two motorcycles are parked per single parking spot, and not more than that since it can become dangerous for other drivers and motorcyclists. If you don’t follow these recommendations, you risk getting your motorcycle harmed.
For example, if you park three motorcycles at once in one single parking lot, there is a chance that you may feel uncomfortable getting your motorcycle out of there.
You might ruin other motorcyclists’ bikes or have yours ruined by them.
How Much Space Is Needed to Park a Motorcycle?
Motorcycles need a space that measures three by six feet to fit well and get in without much effort. However, the space needed to park a motorcycle will depend on your motorcycle type.
The standard motorcycle will fit in a three-by-six-foot parking lot, but larger motorcycles need an average car parking space to fit well.
Usually, parking spaces designed for cars will take eight to nine feet long by eighteen feet or higher.
How Should You Park a Motorcycle?
You should park your motorcycle in a way that does not bother pedestrians, drivers, or bikers, and it will vary depending on the parking space you choose. For example, in a metered parking space, you should park your motorcycle in the direction of lawful traffic.
If you don’t do it, you risk your motorcycle falling to the ground, which will be unmistakably inconvenient. You should also avoid facing nose-first into the lot.
And instead, try to park backward, so you can easily get out of the lot whenever you’re done with errands.
Can You Park a Motorcycle in a Car’s Space?
Motorcycles can use the same parking lots and parking spaces available for cars, as they are also deemed vehicles. However, a motorcyclist should be careful when parking because it is not recommended for motorcycles to park close to another vehicle.
There should be space between you and the next vehicle, whether a car or a motorcycle. This space will help you avoid cars damaging your motorcycle and angry drivers who cannot get into their cars because you’re in the way.
Can You Park a Motorcycle on the Street?
You can park a motorcycle beside the curb because it is legal to do so, but you must also be cautious about how convenient it is for you. Remember that some states require you to park your motorcycle at a 45 to 90-degree angle to the curb.
These requirements may vary per state, but they have an objective in common: to protect you and car drivers from suffering accidents or injuries.
Moreover, it will also protect your motorcycle from being accidentally run over by other cars.
What Is Solo Motorcycle Parking?
Solo motorcycle parking refers to spaces only meant for motorcycles with no side chairs and in which no cars or bicycles should park. These are restricted designated areas that you may find next to buildings or stores.
These parking spaces are usually located next to the curb, on the road, in a space where the motorcycles won’t obstruct cars.
To park correctly in these spaces, you should park them at a 40 to 90-degree angle, having the back tire touching the curb.
Related Questions
Is It Illegal to Ride a Motorcycle on the Sidewalk?
Riding a motorcycle on the sidewalk is illegal because of the dangers it could provoke on walking pedestrians. Hence doing so can make you liable. You can be subject to heavy fines and may face harsher consequences if you injure somebody.
Therefore, we recommend that you stick to the word of the law and avoid riding your motorcycle on the sidewalk. Not only is it a matter of illegality, but it is also a matter of safety.
You should not endanger the lives of other pedestrians or obstruct their sidewalk use.
Can You Walk Your Motorcycle on a Public Sidewalk?
If the owner of private property allows you to park in front of it, you can walk your motorcycle out of that space on the sidewalk to return to the road. However, don’t attempt to ride the motorcycle on the sidewalk. Otherwise, you may hurt someone.
Yet, this may vary by city ordinance, so you should check out your local laws before attempting to do anything.
A ticket is the last thing you want when all you want is to ride your motorcycle in peace, so you must be aware of this.
Can You Keep a Motorcycle in Your House?
You can keep a motorcycle in your house without further issues, so long as you don’t expose it somewhere that it is vulnerable to water. Water causes rust on the metal parts of the motorcycle , hence why it should be avoided at all costs.
Moreover, you don’t necessarily need a garage or driveway to keep your motorcycle in your house.
If you have a free space somewhere in your home or apartment, you may be able to get your motorcycle inside, in a place where there is enough space for it.
Final Thoughts
Even though using the sidewalk for parking your motorcycle while you retrieve important items from the store is tempting, you must understand that this practice is not permitted in most states.
You can’t block the sidewalk for people who need to go to their jobs, homes, or stores.
You can also risk having your motorcycle in serious trouble if someone is angry enough, so it is best to go through the safe road and always choose the correct designated parking space for your motorcycle.
